Have you ever started a forest fire?

OF COURSE NOT, you say. But wait! Perhaps you have listen to the words of the disciple James: "The tongue is a little member and yet makes great brags. Look! How little a fire it takes to set so great a woodland on fire!" --James 3:5.

Even those with good motives can couse little 'Forest fires.' have you ever said something and then immediately wished you could unsay it? If so, you have understand what James meant when he said: "The tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed." --James 3:8.

Nevertless, we can try to use our tongue for good. Like the psalmist, we can resolutely say: "I will guard my ways to keep from shining with my tongue." (Psalm 39:1.) Rather than slander people, we can speak well of them up. Rather than defraud and deceive, we can speak the truth and instruct. When motivated by a good heart, the tongue can speak wonderful words of healing. Jesus used his tongue in marvelous way to teach mankind about salvation.

Truly, "death and life are in the power of the tongue.' (Proverbs 18:21.0 Is your tongue death-dealing or life-giving ? Does it start 'forest fires' or put them out? The psalmist prayed to God: "May my tongue sing forth you saying, for all your commandments are righteousness." (Psalm 119: 172.) If we cultivate the psalmist's attitude, we too will use our tongue for good.

source: The Watchtower 10. 01. 93